Ten-year ban after cockerels made to suffer

An Edinburgh-based traveller has been banned from keeping animals for ten years after he admitted causing unnecessary suffering to two game-breed cockerels.

Paul Stewart, 42, of North Cairntow, Duddingston Road West, was convicted at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on February 2, following an investigation by the Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

Stewart, who pleaded guilty to two charges of causing an animal unnecessary suffering by failing to provide veterinary treatment, was also given 12 months’ probation and 100 hours of community service.

The Scottish SPCA special investigations unit conducted a search at Stewart’s property following a tip-off and found two cockerels both suffering from severe lice infestations, causing extensive feather loss.

The birds were both of game-breed and one large cockerel had its natural heel spurs removed while the smaller bird had its natural comb removed.

Scottish SPCA chief superintendent Mike Flynn said: “We welcome this conviction.”